Apple is an outspoken proponent of privacy and security of our personal data. Its CEO Tim Cook has gone on record, calling privacy a "fundamental human right." When you visit the Data and Privacy portal, you can learn about what Apple does to protect your privacy. You can also use the site to correct any erroneous personal information stored by Apple, delete your Apple ID along with its associated data, and get a copy of your data report.

Review the information regarding the deletion of your account (again).

Click Continue.

Review the Deletion Terms & Conditions and check the box to confirm you've read and agree with the conditions.

Click Continue.

Choose a contact method that will be used to get account status updates.

Click Continue.

Write down or print out your unique access code.

This will be used to verify your identity if you need to contact Apple Support.

This code can also be used to cancel the account deletion process.

Enter the access code to confirm you've actually written it down.

Click Continue.

Click Delete account to delete your account and associated data.

Apple will start the verification process before deleting your account.

Your account will remain active during this period.

It could take up to seven days for the verification process to complete.

If you visit Apple's Data and Privacy portal using the account you're deleting, you'll see a notification along the right side of the site letting you know that your account is being deleted.

How to request a copy of your data using Apple's data and privacy portal

To find out, in detail, the data that Apple keeps regarding your purchase or app usage history and the data you store with Apple, such as calendars, photos, or documents, you can request a copy of your data report. This report is now available in the U.S., as well as the EU.

Click Get started beneath the section labeled Obtain a copy of your data.

Review the sections you wish to download data for and select the box next to each.

Downloads will not include app, book, film, TV programme or music purchases, nor Apple Online Store transaction and marketing communications history.

Click Continue.

Apple will divide your data into file sizes between 1GB and 25GB. Select your preferred size from the drop-down box.

Click Complete request.

Once your data is ready, Apple will notify you by email at the address registered to your Apple ID. It can take up to seven days to process as Apple ensures that the request was made by you and that your data is secure.

Questions?

Run into any issues using Apple's Data and Privacy portal? Have trouble deleting your account? Leave your questions and concerns in the comments below or send 'em my way over on Twitter!

Updated October 2018: Updated to reflect that you can now request a copy of the report in the U.S.

Mikah Sargent

Mikah Sargent is Senior Editor at Mobile Nations. When he's not bothering his chihuahuas, Mikah spends entirely too much time and money on HomeKit products. You can follow him on Twitter at @mikahsargent if you're so inclined.